ATI RN
Perinatal Loss NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse on the postpartum unit is caring for two postoperative cesarean clients. One client had spinal anesthesia for the delivery while the other client had an epidural. Which of the following complications will the nurse monitor the spinal client for that the epidural client is much less high risk for?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Postural headache. The nurse should monitor the client who had spinal anesthesia for the development of a postural headache, which is a common complication associated with spinal anesthesia due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. This occurs when the client changes position, usually when sitting or standing, and is relieved when lying down. Pruritus (A) and nausea (B) are common side effects of both spinal and epidural anesthesia and do not differentiate between the two types of anesthesia. Respiratory depression (D) is a serious complication associated with opioid medications used in epidural anesthesia but is not typically a concern with spinal anesthesia. Educationally, understanding the differences in complications between spinal and epidural anesthesia is crucial for nurses caring for postoperative cesarean clients to provide safe and effective care. Recognizing the unique risks associated with each type of anesthesia allows nurses to anticipate, assess, and manage potential complications promptly.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old patient who is 32 weeks pregnant. After complaining of genital sores and discomfort, the patient tests positive for syphilis. The fetus is at increased risk of which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Blindness. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. If left untreated, syphilis can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to congenital syphilis. One of the devastating consequences of congenital syphilis is the potential for fetal or neonatal blindness due to inflammation and damage to the eyes. Option A) Diabetes is incorrect because syphilis does not directly increase the risk of diabetes in the fetus. Option C) Pneumonia is incorrect as syphilis primarily affects the eyes, bones, skin, and central nervous system in congenital cases, not the lungs. Option D) Hypertension is incorrect because syphilis does not typically increase the risk of hypertension in the fetus. Educationally, understanding the impact of maternal infections like syphilis on the fetus is crucial for healthcare providers caring for pregnant individuals. It underscores the importance of early screening, timely treatment, and appropriate management to prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the unborn child. This question highlights the interconnectedness of maternal health and fetal well-being, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care in perinatal settings.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient at 7 weeks gestation. The nurse suspects that a pregnant patient may have been using marijuana. With consent, the nurse confirms via urine drug screen. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate statement by the nurse in this scenario is option C: "Using marijuana while pregnant can have a negative effect on the neurological development of your baby." This statement is correct because it directly addresses the potential harm that marijuana use can have on the developing fetus, specifically highlighting the risk to neurological development. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the patient's past behavior rather than addressing the current situation and its potential consequences. Option B is also incorrect as it inaccurately suggests that stopping marijuana use only in the last trimester is sufficient to avoid harm, when in reality, any marijuana use during pregnancy can pose risks. Option D is incorrect because while marijuana use during pregnancy is associated with various risks, the statement about miscarriage is not the most significant or commonly known consequence compared to the impact on the baby's neurological development. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to provide accurate information to pregnant patients about the risks associated with substance use during pregnancy. Understanding these risks empowers patients to make informed decisions that promote the health and well-being of both themselves and their babies. By choosing option C, the nurse communicates a key potential harm of marijuana use during pregnancy, which can help guide the patient towards making healthier choices for her and her baby's well-being.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is taking a history of a mother who admits to cocaine drug use. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Educate the patient of the risks associated with cocaine use during pregnancy. This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take first because it focuses on providing crucial information to the mother about the potential harm that cocaine use can cause to the developing fetus. Option A) Refer the patient to a drug abuse program, though important, may not be the first step as educating the patient about the risks will help her understand the immediate impact of her actions. Option B) Screening the infant for side effects associated with cocaine use is not the priority at this stage as prevention is key. Option D) Advising the patient that her baby will be okay even with the history of cocaine use is not accurate and does not address the potential consequences of drug use during pregnancy. In an educational context, it is vital for nurses to first provide education and information to patients to empower them to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their unborn child. By addressing the risks associated with substance abuse during pregnancy, nurses can help prevent potential harm and promote a healthier outcome for both the mother and the baby.
Question 5 of 5
A woman has recently given birth to an infant born at 35 weeks and 5 days gestation. What long-term effects should the nurse be concerned about with the infant being born at this gestation? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In perinatal care, the gestational age at birth significantly impacts the infant's long-term health outcomes. Infants born at 35 weeks and 5 days gestation are considered late preterm. The correct answer, selecting all options (D), is the most appropriate because infants born at this gestational age are at increased risk for a range of complications, including cerebral palsy, respiratory disorders, and developmental delays. Cerebral palsy is a concern because prematurity can lead to brain injury due to underdeveloped brain structures. Respiratory disorders are common in late preterm infants due to immature lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. Developmental delays are also prevalent in these infants as they may have difficulties catching up to their full-term peers in milestones such as motor skills and cognition. Options A, B, and C are not solely limited to infants born at 35 weeks and 5 days gestation but are more prevalent and concerning in this population due to their increased vulnerability. Understanding these risks is crucial for nurses caring for preterm infants as they play a key role in monitoring, supporting, and advocating for the best outcomes for these infants. By selecting all options as the correct answer, nurses can be better prepared to provide comprehensive care and early interventions to mitigate these potential long-term effects.